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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What physical gesture of affection does Mr. Coulson make toward Mrs. Widdup?
(a) He touches her arm.
(b) He kisses her.
(c) He holds her hand.
(d) He strokes her hair.

2. Why does Miss Coulson ask when Mrs. Widdup's vacation begins?
(a) She will need to make arrangements for Mr. Coulson's care.
(b) She is eager to get Mrs. Widdup away from Mr. Coulson.
(c) She is wondering if Mr. Coulson will try to go away with Mrs. Widdup.
(d) She is hoping to get away from the house for a while, herself.

3. Where does Miss Coulson meet the iceman on the next morning?
(a) In the park across from the house.
(b) In the vacant lot next door.
(c) In the kitchen.
(d) In the basement.

4. What is comic about the turn of phrase "she withstood the attack of the ethereal mildness" (334)?
(a) The contradiction in the terms "attack" and "ethereal mildness."
(b) The surprise ending to a well-known phrase.
(c) The idea that "mildness" could be "ethereal."
(d) The understatement of the danger.

5. Which neighborhood does Mr. Coulson live in?
(a) Lincoln Square.
(b) Carnegie Hill.
(c) Gramercy Park.
(d) Chelsea.

6. How old is Mrs. Widdup?
(a) 35.
(b) 40.
(c) 30.
(d) 49.

7. When Mr. Coulson continues quoting the poem and mentions "a livelier iris," what does Mrs. Widdup think he is talking about? (333)
(a) Flowers.
(b) Eyes.
(c) The Irish.
(d) A bird.

8. Which bird is Mr. Coulson said to be "elder brother" to in May?
(a) Chickadee.
(b) Robin.
(c) Turtle-dove.
(d) Pigeon.

9. When Mr. Coulson asks for his "aconite," what is he asking for (333)?
(a) An herbal medicine used to treat pain and inflammation.
(b) A religious text that provides commentary on the Bible.
(c) A wooden cane with a carved top.
(d) A hot breakfast cereal, like porridge or gruel.

10. What is the "twist" at the end of this story?
(a) Mr. Coulson never had any romantic intentions toward Mrs. Widdup at all.
(b) Mrs. Widdup turns out to be wealthy, herself.
(c) Mrs. Widdup's husband is still alive.
(d) Miss Coulson runs away with the iceman.

11. When the narrator lists the kinds of inappropriate relationships that May encourages, one of the items in the list is "old chaps" who dress up and "parade in front of the Normal School" (332). Who are these old men trying to impress with their fancy clothing?
(a) Young women training to become school teachers.
(b) Lower-class college-aged women.
(c) Schoolgirls.
(d) Female college professors.

12. After the iceman tells Miss Coulson, "It'll be a pleasure to fix things up for you any way you please," the narrator comments "Alas for May" (334). What is implied by this comment?
(a) Miss Coulson has deliberately given the iceman the wrong impression about her intentions.
(b) Miss Coulson would not have to scheme against Mr. Coulson if it were not for the season.
(c) The iceman is mocking Miss Coulson for making such a strange request.
(d) The iceman is flirting a little bit with Miss Coulson.

13. Where Mr. Coulson is sitting, two main smells are "battling": the smell of flowers and what other smell?
(a) The musty smell of Mr. Coulson's room.
(b) Mr. Coulson's uneaten breakfast.
(c) Mr. Coulson's strong cologne.
(d) The medicine on Mr. Coulson's skin.

14. What is the name of the servant who usually gives Mr. Coulson his medication?
(a) Marley.
(b) Treadwell.
(c) Higgins.
(d) Foster.

15. What are the "portières" that Miss Coulson is sitting near?
(a) Hanging lamps.
(b) Wall hangings.
(c) Window shutters.
(d) Curtains hung in the doorway.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Miss Van Meeker Constantia Coulson?

2. What does Miss Coulson's believe about love?

3. With which motif is Miss Coulson most identified?

4. What is Mrs. Widdup's job?

5. How does Miss Coulson spend the afternoon after her conversation with her father about the cold?

(see the answer keys)

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